Process of making an integral skin polyurethane article

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to water-blown integral skin polyurethane foam compositions, molded polyurethane articles, a process of preparing said articles, and an isocyanate composition for use therein. In particular, the invention relates to water-blown integral skin molded polyurethane articles having particularly advantageous physical properties, and compositions useful for producing such articles. 
     In particular, the invention provides a polyurethane composition which has an isocyanate component (a) an isocyanate reactive component (b), a blowing agent comprising water (c), a polyether (d) selected from the group consisting of polytetrahydrofuran and polyethylene glycol having a number average molecular weight of from 200 to 2000 and optionally, one or more additives (e) from the group consisting of catalysts, chain extenders, oxo alcohols, and mixtures thereof. The composition may be characterized in that the integral skin polyurethane articles made of the composition have a tensile strength of greater than or equal to 450 psi and/or a Taber abrasion (mg loss) of less than 200.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to water-blown integral skin polyurethanefoam compositions, molded polyurethane articles, a process of preparingsaid articles, and an isocyanate composition for use therein. Inparticular, the invention relates to water-blown integral skin moldedpolyurethane articles having particularly advantageous physicalproperties, and compositions useful for producing such articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Integral skin polyurethane foams are well known to those skilled in theart. Such foams typically have a cellular interior and a high densitymicrocellular or noncellular skin. In general, integral skin foams areprepared from the reaction of an organic isocyanate with a substancehaving at least one isocyanate reactive group in the presence of one ormore catalysts, blowing agents, and a variety of optional additives. Thereaction is typically carried out in a mold where a higher density skinforms at the interface of the reaction mixture and the relatively coolinterior surface of the mold.

Traditionally, integral skin polyurethane foams were expanded with theuse of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) blowing agent or hydrogenatedchlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) blowing agents. However, because ofenvironmental concerns, government regulations now mandate the reductionand eventual elimination of CFCs and HCFCs in integral skin foamproduction.

As a result, the polyurethane industry has devoted considerable time andenergy in developing alternative blowing agents which produce integralskin foams having performance and processing properties that are atleast equivalent to, or better than, those of traditional CFC and HCFCblowing agents.

It has been particularly difficult to find alternative blowing agentssuitable for use in integral skin foams intended for use in shoe soles.Such foams must have a cosmetically acceptable appearance and a smoothsurface with a good feel. In addition, they must exhibit enhancedresistance to abrasion and cracking on flex. Such particular propertiesmust be in addition to optimum values of tensile strength, tearstrength, and elongation.

One alternative blowing agent that has found particular favor with themakers of integral skin foams intended for use in shoe soles is1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane or HFC-134a. Foams produced with HFC-134aalone or in combination with other blowing agents, such as water,exhibit generally adequate physical properties.

However, the use of HFC-134a has several problems. HFC-134a is a gas andis not readily soluble in typical polyurethane resin systems. As aresult, special equipment is needed for addition. Processing problemsbecome more acute as ambient temperatures increase. Also, environmentalconcerns about the global warming potential of HFC-134a have beenraised.

Accordingly, manufacturers of integral skin polyurethane shoe soles areincreasingly requesting alternatives to HFC-134a-blown polyurethanecompositions. In particular, there is a great desire for a solely waterblown polyurethane system capable of producing integral skin foamsexhibiting performance properties suitable for use as shoe soles.

There have been several attempts to produce such solely water blownintegral skin polyurethane compositions.

For example, WO 91/17197 discloses microcellular polyurethane polymersprepared from isocyanate-terminated poly(oxytetramethylene) glycolprepolymers. The isocyanate compound is a isocyanate-terminatedprepolymer, having an isocyanate content of from 14 to 28 percent, whichis obtained by reacting an isocyanate containing at least 70 weightpercent 4,4'-methylene diphenyl isocyanate with apoly(oxytetramethylene) glycol which has an average hydroxyl equivalentweight of from 250 to 1500.

However, the WO 91/17197 specification teaches that the blowing agentneed not comprise solely water and may contain halogenated hydrocarbonsand preferably chlorofluorocarbons such as trichlorodifluoroethaneand/or trichlorofluoroethane.

It is thus an object of the invention to provide a solely water blownintegral skin polyurethane composition suitable for making shoe soles.

In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide an integralskin polyurethane composition capable of making integral skinpolyurethane articles characterized by a tensile strength of greaterthan or equal to 450 psi and/or a Taber Abrasion (mg loss) of less than200.

It is another object of the invention to provide integral skinpolyurethane molded articles, suitable for making shoe soles,characterized by a tensile strength of greater than or equal to 450 psiand/or a Taber Abrasion (mg loss) of less than 200.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a process of makingsuch integral skin polyurethane molded articles.

Finally, it is an object of the invention to provide an isocyanatecomposition for use in polyurethane compositions intended for use in theproduction of integral skin polyurethane articles suitable for use inshoe soles.

An advantage of the present invention is that a blowing agent consistingof water can be used in the production of integral skin polyurethanearticles exhibiting performance properties which are at least equivalentto or better than those achieved with traditional blowing agents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention achieves one or more of the foregoing objects andadvantages by providing a polyurethane composition which has anisocyanate component (a), an isocyanate reactive component (b), ablowing agent comprising water (c), a polyether (d) selected from thegroup consisting of polytetrahydrofuran and polyethylene glycol having anumber average molecular weight of from 200 to 2000, and optionally, oneor more additives (e) selected from the group consisting of catalysts,chain extenders, oxo alcohols, and mixtures thereof. The composition maybe characterized in that integral skin polyurethane articles made of thecomposition have a tensile strength of greater than or equal to 450 psiand/or a Taber Abrasion (mg loss) of less than 200.

The polyurethane composition of the invention further comprisesisocyanate component (a) which comprises the reaction product of (a1) apolyoxypropylated propylene glycol having an OH number of from 200 to300, (a2) a diol selected from the group consisting of dipropyleneglycol and tripropylene glycol, (a3) a polyoxypropylated/ethoxylatedglycerine having an OH number of from 20 to 50, (a4) apolyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycol having an OH number of from 15 to45, and (a5) diphenylmethane diisocyanate.

The polyurethane composition of the invention may also be characterizedin that the isocyanate reactive component (b) comprises (b1) apropoxylated and ethoxylated diol initiated polyol having an OH numberof from 10 to 40, (b2) a graft polyol having from 5 to 55 percent byweight of a polymerized monomer selected from the group consisting ofstyrene, acrylonitrile, and mixtures thereof, and a carrier polyolhaving an OH number of from 20 to 50, and (b3) a propoxylated andethoxylated triol initiated polyol having an OH of from 15 to 45.

Another object of the invention is achieved with a novel process formaking integral skin polyurethane articles, wherein the process requiresthe providing of an isocyanate component (a) such as that describedabove, providing a resin side (I) comprising an isocyanate reactivecomponent (b) such as that described above, the blowing agent (c)comprising water, a polyether (d) selected from the group consisting ofpolytetrahydrofuran and polyethylene glycol having a number averagemolecular weight of from 200 to 2000, and optionally, one or moreadditives (e) selected from the group consisting of catalysts, chainextenders, oxo alcohols and mixtures thereof. The process furtherinvolves the introduction of the isocyanate component (a) and resin side(I) into a mold and reacting component (a) and resin side (I) togetherfor a time sufficient to produce integral skin polyurethane articles.The process may be characterized inasmuch as integral skin polyurethanearticles made by the process have a tensile strength of greater than orequal to 450 psi and/or a Taber Abrasion (mg loss) of less than 200.

Yet another of the foregoing objects is achieved with the provision ofintegral skin polyurethane molded articles which are achieved from theforegoing process.

Finally, an object of the invention is achieved with the provision of anisocyanate composition (a) which comprises the reaction product of (a1)a polyoxypropylated propylene glycol having an OH number of from 200 to300, (a2) a diol selected from the group consisting of dipropyleneglycol and tripropylene glycol, (a3) a polyoxypropylated/ethoxylatedglycerine having an OH number of from 20 to 50, (a4) apolyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycol having an OH number of from 15 to45, and (a5) diphenylmethane diisocyanate. The isocyanate composition ofthe invention has a percent NCO of from 16 to 20, and further comprisesa blend of the reaction product of (a1) a polyoxypropylated propyleneglycol having an OH number of from 200 to 300, (a2) dipropylene glycoland tripropylene glycol, and (a5) diphenylmethane diisocyanate, thereaction product of (a3) a polyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycerinehaving an OH number of from 20 to 50 and (a5) diphenylmethanediisocyanate, and the reaction product of (a4) apolyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycol having an OH number of from 15 to45, and (a5) diphenylmethane diisocyanate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The polyurethane composition of the invention requires the use of anisocyanate component (a), an isocyanate reactive component (b), ablowing agent (c) comprising water, a polyether (d) selected from thegroup consisting of polytetrahydrofuran and polyethylene glycol having anumber average molecular weight of from 200 to 2000, and optionally, oneor more additives (e) selected from the group consisting of catalysts,chain extenders, oxo alcohols and mixtures thereof. It should beappreciated that for purposes of the instant invention, components (b),(c), (d), and (e) may be combined and termed the resin side, or resinside (I).

The isocyanate component (a) can typically contain aromatically boundisocyanate groups. Representative of the types of organicpolyisocyanates contemplated for use herein include, for example,1,4-diisocyanatobenzene, 1,3-diisocyanato-o-xylene,1,3-diisocyanato-p-xylene, 1,3-diisocyanato-m-xylene,2,4-diisocyanato-1-chlorobenzene, 2,4-diisocyanato- 1-nitrobenzene,2,5-diisocyanato- 1-nitrobenzene, m-phenylene diisocyanate, 2,4-toluenediisocyanate, 2,6-toluene diisocyanate, mixtures of 2,4- and 2,6-toluenediisocyanate, hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate, 1,5-naphthalenediisocyanate, 1-methoxy-2,4-phenylene diisocyanate, 2,4' diphenylmethanediisocyanate, 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 4,4'-biphenylenediisocyanate, 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, thetriisocyanates such as 4,4',4"-triphenylmethane triisocyanate,polymethylene polyphenylene polyisocyanate, and 2,4,6-toluenetriisocyanate; and the tetraisocyanates such as4,4-dimethyl-2,2'-5,5'-diphenylmethane tetraisocyanate. Especiallyuseful due to their availability and properties are 2,4'-diphenylmethanediisocyanate, 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, and mixtures thereof.

These polyisocyanates are prepared by conventional methods known in theart such as the phosgenation of the corresponding organic amine.Included within the usable isocyanates are the modifications of theabove isocyanates which contain carbodiimide, allophanate, orisocyanurate structures.

Prepolymers may also be, and preferably will be, employed in the processof the subject invention. These prepolymers are prepared by reacting anexcess of organic polyisocyanate or mixtures thereof with a minor amountof an active hydrogen-containing compound determined by the well-knownZerewitinoff Test, as described by Kohler in Journal of the AmericanChemical Society, 49, 3181 (1927). Generally, the prepolymers have afree isocyanate content of from 15 percent to 30 percent by weight.

However, while the foregoing generally describes the isocyanatecomponent (a), it is most preferred that isocyanate component (a) becomprised of an isocyanate prepolymer having a percent free NCO of from16 to 20, and most preferably, from 17 to 19.

The reactive hydrogen-containing compound used in the preparation ofisocyanate component (a) may be one or more polyoxyalkylene polyetherpolyols such as those described below with respect to isocyanatereactive component (b). Preferred polyoxyalkylene polyether polyols arethose resulting from the polymerization of a polyhydric alcohol and analkylene oxide. Mixtures of such polyoxyalkylene polyether polyols areparticularly preferred. The most preferred mixtures are those havingpolyols of a variety of number average molecular weights andfunctionalities.

Such blends of polyoxyalkylene polyether polyols may be reacted with oneor more of the foregoing aromatically bound polyisocyanates. However, itis particularly preferred that a mixture of polyoxyalkylene polyetherpolyols be reacted with an (a5) isocyanate which comprisesdiphenylmethane diisocyanate. Most preferably, it has been found thatthe various polyether polyols be reacted with an isocyanate (a5) that ispredominantly 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate. Ideally, the finalproduct (a) will contain less than 5 percent 2,4'-diphenylmethanediisocyanate. Most preferably, the final product (a) will contain lessthan 3 percent 2,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate.

A particularly suitable blend of polyoxyalkylene polyether alcohols hasbeen found to be comprised of (a1) a polyoxypropylated propylene glycol,(a2) a diol selected from the group consisting of dipropylene glycol andtripropylene glycol, (a3) a polyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycerine, and(a4) a polyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycol. Such particular blend ofpolyoxyalkylene polyether polyols has been found to produce aparticularly suitable reaction product when reacted with an excessamount of (a5) diphenylmethane diisocyanate and ideally, 4,4'MDI.

The polyoxypropylated propylene glycol (a1) may have a number averagemolecular weight of from 200 to 600, preferably from 300 to 500, andmost preferably from 350 to 450. In addition, the polyoxypropylatedpropylene glycol (a1) will also have a hydroxyl number of from 200 to300, preferably from 240 to 280, and most preferably from 250 to 270.

Polyol (a2) will be a diol selected from the group consisting ofdipropylene glycol and tripropylene glycol. Dipropylene glycol is mostpreferred.

Polyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycerine (a3) may have a number averagemolecular weight of from 1000 to 7000, and preferably from 2000 to 5000,and most preferably from 3000 to 5000. The polyol (a3) may also have ahydroxyl number of from 20 to 50, but will preferably have a hydroxylnumber of from 25 to 45, and most preferably from 30 to 40. Thepercentage of residual alkylene oxide groups attributable to propyleneoxide should be from 65 to 95 percent, and preferably from 75 to 85percent, with the remainder being residual ethylene oxide groups.

Polyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycol (a4) may have a number averagemolecular weight of from 500 to 7000, and preferably from 2000 to 5000.Most preferably, the polyol (a4) will have a number average molecularweight of between 3000 to 4000. The percentage of residual alkyleneoxide groups attributable to propylene oxide will preferably be frombetween 65 to 95 percent, and most preferably between 75 to 85 percent,with the remainder of residual alkylene oxide groups being those ofethylene oxide. Polyol (a4) will generally have an OH number of from 15to 45, preferably from 20 to 40, and most preferably from 25 to 35.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that isocyanatecomponent (a) may comprise the reaction product of (a1) (a2), (a3),(a4), and (a5) as well as a blend of reaction products arising fromvarious combinations of (a1), (a2), (a3), (a4)and (a5). An example ofone method of preparing the isocyanate component (a) of the inventioninvolves the simultaneous reaction of components (a1), (a2), (a3), (a4)and (a5). The diphenylmethane diisocyanate, along with a suitablereaction initiator, is charged to a preheated reactor wherein thecontents are heated to a temperature of between 50° to 120° C.Subsequently, a polyoxyalkylene polyether polyol blend comprising (a1),(a2), (a3) and (a4) is added and reacted for a time of between one toseven hours. Reaction times of from 1 to 4 hours are most preferred.

Alternatively, however, isocyanate component (a) may be prepared as ablend of (1) the reaction product of polyoxypropylated propylene glycol(a1), a diol selected from the group consisting of dipropylene glycoland tripropylene glycol (a2), and diphenylmethane diisocyanate (a5); (2)the reaction product of polyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycerine (a3),and diphenylmethane diisocyanate (a5); and (3) the reaction product ofpolyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycol (a4) and diphenylmethanediisocyanate (a5). Such a method is most preferred.

Regardless of the method used to make the isocyanate component (a) ofthe invention, it has been found that the isocyanate composition (a) ofthe invention may be characterized as generally comprising from 2 to 70percent by weight diphenylmethane diisocyanate, preferably from 30 to 55percent by weight, and most preferably from 40 to 50 percentdiphenylmethane diisocyanate. Most preferably, the diphenylmethanediisocyanate (a5) will be comprised almost exclusively of4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, with only residual amounts of2,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate present. In particular, as indicatedabove, such percentages of 2,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate should beless than 5 percent, and preferably less than 3 percent of the overallisocyanate composition (a).

In addition, isocyanate component (a) should also contain from 1 to 30percent by weight, based on the total weight of the isocyanate component(a), of an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer (I) which is a reactionproduct of (a1) polyoxypropylated propylene glycol with (a5)diphenylmethane diisocyanate. Preferably, this isocyanate terminatedprepolymer will be present in an amount of 1 to 20 percent, and mostpreferably from 1 to 10 percent by weight, based on the total weight ofisocyanate component (a).

In addition, isocyanate component (a) should further contain from 5 to40 percent by weight of an isocyanate terminated prepolymer (II) whichis the reaction product of a diol selected from the group consisting ofdipropylene glycol and tripropylene glycol (a2) and diphenylmethanediisocyanate (a5). Preferably, such prepolymer species should be presentin an amount of between 10 to 30 percent, and most preferably from 15 to25 percent by weight of the total amount of isocyanate component (a).

Additionally, isocyanate component (a) should further contain from 1 to30 percent by weight of an isocyanate terminated prepolymer (III) whichis the reaction product of polyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycol (a4) anddiphenylmethane diisocyanate (a5). More preferably, such isocyanateterminated prepolymer species will be present in an amount of from 5 to25 percent, and most preferably from 10 to 20 percent.

Finally, isocyanate component (a) should further contain from 1 to 30percent by weight of an isocyanate terminated prepolymer (IV) which isthe reaction product of polyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycerine (a3) anddiphenylmethane diisocyanate (a5). More preferably, such isocyanateterminated prepolymer will be present in an amount between 5 and 25percent by weight, and most preferably, from 10 to 20 percent by weightof the overall isocyanate component (a).

The polyurethane composition of the invention further requiresisocyanate reactive component (b). Preferably, polyhydroxyl compoundshaving a functionality of 1.7 to 8, more preferably 1.7 to 4, and anaverage hydroxyl number of 15 to 850, more preferably 20 to 400, areexamples of suitable polyols for use in isocyanate reactive component(b). Polyols having hydroxyl numbers outside this range may be used, butit is preferred that the average hydroxyl number for the total amount ofpolyols used fall within the range of 20 to 100.

Examples include polythioether polyols, polyester amides and polyacetalscontaining hydroxyl groups, aliphatic polycarbonates containing hydroxylgroups, amine terminated polyoxyalkylene polyethers, polyester polyols,and preferably polyoxyalkylene polyether polyols, and graft dispersionpolyols. In addition, mixtures of at least two of the aforesaid polyolscan be used as long as the combination has an average hydroxyl number inthe aforesaid range.

Polyoxyalkylene polyether polyols, which can be obtained by knownmethods, are preferred for use as the polyhydroxyl compounds. Forexample, polyether polyols can be produced by anionic polymerizationwith alkali hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxideor alkali alcoholates, such as sodium methylate, sodium ethylate, orpotassium ethylate or potassium isopropylate as catalysts and with theaddition of at least one initiator molecule containing 1.7 to 8,preferably 1.7 to 4, reactive hydrogens or by cationic polymerizationwith Lewis acids such as antimony pentachloride, boron trifluorideetherate, etc., or bleaching earth as catalysts from one or morealkylene oxides with 2 to 4 carbons in the alkylene radical. Anysuitable alkylene oxide may be used such as 1,3-propylene oxide, 1,2-and 2,3-butylene oxide, amylene oxides, styrene oxide, and preferablyethylene oxide and 1,2-propylene oxide and mixtures of these oxides. Thepolyalkylene polyether polyols may be prepared from other startingmaterials such as tetrahydrofuran and alkylene oxide-tetrahydrofuranmixtures; epihalohydrins such as epichlorohydrin; as well as aralkyleneoxides such as styrene oxide. The polyalkylene polyether polyols mayhave either primary or secondary hydroxyl groups.

Included among the polyether polyols are polyoxyethylene glycol,polyoxypropylene glycol, polyoxybutylene glycol, polytetramethyleneglycol, block copolymers, for example, combinations of polyoxypropyleneand polyoxyethylene glycols, poly-1,2-oxybutylene and polyoxyethyleneglycols, poly-1,4-tetramethylene and polyoxyethylene glycols, andcopolymer glycols prepared from blends of sequential addition of two ormore alkylene oxides. The polyalkylene polyether polyols may be preparedby any known process such as, for example, the process disclosed byWurtz in 1859 and Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Vol. 7, pp.257-262, published by Interscience Publishers, Inc. (1951) or in U.S.Pat. No. 1,922,459.

Polyethers which are preferred include the alkylene oxide additionproducts of polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, propyleneglycol, dipropylene glycol, trimethylene glycol, 1,2-butanediol,1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,4-pentanediol,1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,7-heptanediol, hydroquinone,resorcinol, glycerol, glycerine, 1,1,1-trimethylolpropane,1,1,1-trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, α-methylglucoside, sucrose, and sorbitol. Also included within the term"polyhydric alcohol" are compounds derived from phenol such as2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propane, commonly known as Bisphenol A.

Suitable organic amine starting materials include aliphatic andcycloaliphatic amines and mixtures thereof, having at least one primaryamino group, preferably two or more primary amino groups, and mostpreferable are the diamines. Specific non-limiting examples of aliphaticamines include monoamines having 1 to 12, preferably 1 to 6, carbonatoms, such as methylamine, ethylamine, butylamine, hexylamine,octylamine, decylamine and dodecylamine; aliphatic diamines such as1,2-diaminoethane, propylene diamine, 1,4-diaminobutane,1,6-diaminohexane, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine,2-methyl-1,5-pentadiamine, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-hexanediamine, and4-aminomethyloctane-1,8-diamine, and amino acid-based polyamines such aslysine methyl ester, lysine aminoethyl ester and cystine dimethyl ester;cycloaliphatic monoamines of 5 to 12, preferably of 5 to 8, carbon atomsin the cycloalkyl radical, such as cyclohexylamine and cyclo-octylamineand preferably cycloaliphatic diamines of 6 to 13 carbon atoms, such ascyclohexylenediamine, 4,4'-, 2,4'-, and 2,2'-diaminocyclohexylmethaneand mixtures thereof; aromatic monoamines of 6 to 18 carbon atoms, suchas aniline, benzylamine, toluidine and naphthylamine and preferablyaromatic diamines of 6 to 15 carbon atoms, such as phenylenediamine,naphthylenediamine, fluorenediamine, diphenyldiamine, anthracenediamine,and preferably 2,4- and 2,6-toluenediamine and 4,4'-, 2,4'-, and2,2'-diaminophenylmethane, and aromatic polyamines such as2,4,6-triaminotoluene, mixtures of polyphenyl-polymethylene-polyamines,and mixtures of diaminidiphenylmethanes andpolyphenyl-polymethylene-polyamines. Preferred are ethylenediamine,propylenediamine, decanediamine, 4,4'-diaminophenylmethane,4,4'-diaminocyclohexylmethane, and toluenediamine.

Suitable initiator molecules also include alkanolamines such asethanolamine, diethanolamine, N-methyl- and N-ethylethanolamine,N-methyl- and N-ethyldiethanolamine and triethanolamine plus ammonia.

Suitable polyhydric polythioethers which may be condensed with alkyleneoxides include the condensation product of thiodiglycol or the reactionproduct of a dicarboxylic acid.

Polyhydroxyl-containing phosphorus compounds which may be used includethose compounds disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,639,542. Preferredpolyhydroxyl-containing phosphorus compounds are prepared from alkyleneoxides and acids of phosphorus having a P₂ O₅ equivalency of from about72 percent to about 95 percent.

Suitable polyacetals which may be condensed with alkylene oxides includethe reaction product of formaldehyde or other suitable aldehyde with adihydric alcohol or an alkylene oxide such as those disclosed above.

Suitable aliphatic thiols which may be condensed with alkylene oxidesinclude alkanethiols containing at least two --SH groups such as1,2-ethanedithiol, 1,2-propanedithiol, 1,6-hexanedithiol; alkene thiolssuch as 2-butene-1,4-dithiol; and alkyne thiols such as3-hexyne-1,6-dithiol.

Also preferred as the polyol are polymer modified polyols, inparticular, the so-called graft polyols. Graft polyols are well known tothe art and are prepared by the in situ polymerization of one or morevinyl monomers, preferably acrylonitrile and styrene, in the presence ofa polyether or polyester polyol, particularly polyols containing a minoramount of natural or induced unsaturation. Methods of preparing suchgraft polyols may be found in columns 1-5 and in the Examples of U.S.Pat. No. 3,652,639; in columns 1-6 and the Examples of U.S. Pat. No.3,823,201; particularly in columns 2-8 and the Examples of U.S. Pat. No.4,690,956; and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,524,157; all of which patents areherein incorporated by reference.

Non-graft polymer modified polyols are also preferred, by example, thoseprepared by the reaction of a polyisocyanate with an alkanolamine in thepresence of a polyol as taught by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,293,470; 4,296,213;and 4,374,209; dispersions of polyisocyanurates containing pendant ureagroups as taught by U.S. Pat. No. 4,386,167; and polyisocyanuratedispersions also containing biuret linkages as taught by U.S. Pat. No.4,359,541. Other polymer modified polyols may be prepared by the in situsize reduction of polymers until the particle size is less than 20 μm,preferably less than 10 μm.

Illustrative polymerization initiators which may be employed are thewell-known free radical types of vinyl polymerization initiators such asthe peroxides, persulfates, perborates, percarbonates, azo compounds,etc. These include hydrogen peroxide, dibenzoyl peroxide, acetylperoxide, benzoyl hydroperoxide, t-butyl hydroperoxide, di-t-butylperoxide, lauroyl peroxide, butyryl peroxide, diisopropylbenzenehydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, paramenthane hydroperoxide,diacetyl peroxide, di-α-cumyl peroxide, dipropyl peroxide, diisopropylperoxide, isopropyl-t-butyl peroxide, butyl-t-butyl peroxide, difuroylperoxide, bis(triphenylmethyl) peroxide, bis(p-methoxybenzoyl) peroxide,p-monomethoxybenzoyl peroxide, rubene peroxide, ascaridol, t-butylperoxybenzoate, diethyl peroxyterephthalate, propyl hydroperoxide,isopropyl hydroperoxide, n-butyl hydroperoxide, t-butyl hydroperoxide,cyclohexyl hydroperoxide, trans-decalin hydroperoxide, α-methylbenzylhydroperoxide, α-methyl-α-ethyl benzyl hydroperoxide, tetralinhydroperoxide, triphenylmethyl hydroperoxide, diphenylmethylhydroperoxide, α,α'-azobis-(2-methyl heptonitrile), 1-t-butylazo-1-cyanocyclohexane, persuccinic acid, diisopropyl peroxy dicarbonate,2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile),2-t-butylazo-2-cyano-4-methoxy-4-methylpentane,2,2'-azo-bis-2-methylbutanenitrile, 2-t-butylazo-2-cyanobutane,1-t-amylazo-1-cyanocyclohexane,2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethyl-4-methoxyvaleronitrile, 2,2'-azobis-1-methylbutyronitrile, 2-t-butylazo-2-cyano-4-methylpentane,2-t-butylazo-2-isobutyronitrile, to butylperoxyisopropyl carbonate andthe like; a mixture of initiators may also be used. The preferredinitiators are 2,2'-azobis(2-methylbutyronitrile),2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile), 2,2'-azobis (2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile),2-t-butylazo-2-cyano-4-methoxy-4-methyl pentane,2-t-butylazo-2-cyano-4-methylpentane, 2-t-butylazo-2-cyano-butane andlauroyl peroxide, Generally, from about 0.1 percent to about 10 percent,preferably from about 1 percent to about 4 percent, by weight ofinitiator based on the weight of the monomer will be employed in theprocess of the invention.

Representative ethylenically unsaturated monomers which may be employedin the preparation of graft polymers used in the present inventioninclude butadiene, isoprene, 1,4-pentadiene, 1,6-hexadiene,1,7-octadiene, styrene, α-methylstyrene, 2-methylstyrene,3-methylstyrene, and 4-methylstyrene, 2,4-dimethylstyrene, ethylstyrene,isopropylstyrene, butylstyrene, and the like; substituted styrenes suchas cyanostyrene, nitrostyrene, N,N-dimethylaminostyrene, acetoxystyrene,methyl 4-vinylbenzoate, phenoxystyrene, p-vinylphenyl oxide, and thelike; the acrylic and substituted acrylic monomers such asacrylonitrile, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate,2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate,benzyl methacrylate, isopropyl methacrylate, octyl methacrylate,methacrylonitrile, ethyl α-ethoxyacrylate, methyl α-acetaminoacrylate,butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, phenyl acrylate, phenylmethacrylate, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, N,N-dibenzylacrylamide,N-butylacrylamide, methacrylyl formamide, and the like; the vinylesters, vinyl ethers, vinyl ketones, etc., such as vinyl acetate, vinylbutyrate, isopropenyl acetate, vinyl formate, vinyl acrylate, vinylmethacrylate, vinyl methoxyacetate, vinyl benzoate, vinyltoluene,vinylnaphthalene, vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether, vinyl propylethers, vinyl butyl ethers, vinyl 2-ethylhexyl ether, vinyl phenylether, vinyl 2-methoxyethyl ether, methoxybutadiene, vinyl 2-butoxyethylether, 3,4-dihydro-1,2-pyran, 2-butoxy-2'-vinyloxydiethyl ether, vinylmethyl ketone, vinyl ethyl ketone, vinyl phosphonates such as vinylphenyl ketone, vinyl ethyl sulfone, N-methyl-N-vinyl acetamide,N-vinyl-pyrrolidone, vinyl imidazole, divinyl sulfoxide, divinylsulfone, sodium vinylsulfonate, methyl vinylsulfonate, N-vinyl pyrroleand the like; dimethyl fumarate, dimethyl maleate, maleic acid, crotonicacid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, monomethyl itaconate,t-butylaminoethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate,glycidyl acrylate, allyl alcohol, glycol monoesters of itaconic acid,vinyl pyridine, and the like. Any of the known polymerizable monomerscan be used and compounds listed above are illustrative and are notrestrictive of the monomers suitable for use in this invention.Preferably, the monomer is selected from the group consisting ofacrylonitrile, styrene, and mixtures thereof, and most preferablycomprises a mixture of styrene and acrylonitrile.

The amount of polymerized ethylenically unsaturated monomer typicallypresent in the graft polyol, alternatively known as the level of solids,ranges from 5 weight percent to about 50 weight percent, preferably from10 weight percent to about 40 weight percent, based on the weight of thegraft polyol, and most preferably from 20 to 40.

A particularly preferred isocyanate reactive component (b) will comprisea mixture of one or more of the foregoing polyoxyalkylene polyetherpolyols. In particular, it has been found that a preferred isocyanatereactive component (b) comprises (b1) a propoxylated and ethoxylateddiol initiated polyol having an OH number of from 10 to 40, (b2) a graftpolyol having from 5 to 50 percent by weight of a polymerizedethylenically unsaturated monomer selected from the groups consisting ofstyrene, acrylonitrile, and mixtures thereof, in a carrier polyol havinga hydroxyl number of from 20 to 50, and (b3) a propoxylated andethoxylated triol initiated polyol having an OH number of from 15 to 45.

More preferably, it has been found that polyol (b1) is a propoxylatedand ethoxylated diol initiated polyol having a number average molecularweight of from 2000 to 7000, and more preferably from 2500 to 5000, andmost preferably from 3500 to 4500. The polyol (b1) will preferably havea hydroxyl number of between 15 and 35, and most preferably from between20 to 30. The percentage of residual alkylene oxide units attributableto propylene oxide should be between 65 to 95 percent, and morepreferably from 75 to 85 percent, with the remaining residual alkyleneoxide units being attributable to ethylene oxide. While suitablewell-known diols such as propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,1,2-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, and the like are illustrative ofsuitable initiator molecules for polyol (b1), it has been found that themost preferred initiator is propylene glycol.

Graft polyol (b2) will most preferably have from between 10 to 55percent by weight polymerized monomer, and more preferably from between15 to 35 percent. While the foregoing discussion provides representativeethylenically unsaturated monomers which may be employed in the presentinvention, the most preferred monomer will be selected from the groupconsisting of acrylonitrile, styrene, and mixtures thereof, and mostpreferably will comprise a mixture of acrylonitrile and styrene. Polyol(b2) will generally have a number average molecular weight of from 3000to 9000, preferably from 4000 to 7000, and most preferably from 4500 to6500. The hydroxyl number for polyol (b2) will generally be from 10 to40, preferably from 15 to 35, and most preferably from 20 to 30.

The carrier polyol for graft polyol (b2) will generally have a hydroxylnumber of from 20 to 50, preferably from 25 to 45, and most preferablyfrom 30 to 40. The molecular weight of the carrier polyol will generallybe from between 2000 to 7000, preferably from 3000 to 6000, and mostpreferably from 3000 to 5000. While the carrier polyol may result fromthe reaction of one or more alkylene oxides with the polyhydricinitiator molecules described above, it has been found that a preferredcarrier polyol is one having a triol initiator and most preferably atriol such as glycerine or trimethylolpropane. In addition, it has beenfound that a mixture of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide isparticularly advantageous, especially one wherein the resulting carrierpolyol has between 65 to 95 percent of residual alkylene oxide unitsattributable to propylene oxide and most preferably from 75 to 85percent, with the remaining residual alkylene oxide units attributableto ethylene oxide.

With respect to polyol (b3), it has been found that a most preferredpolyol is one having a hydroxyl number of from 15 to 45, preferably from20 to 40, and most preferably from 25 to 35. The molecular weight of thetriol initiated (b3), polyol will preferably be from between 2000 to8000, and most preferably from between 3500 to 6500. While a variety oftriol initiators may be utilized, it is most preferred that the triol bea material such as glycerine or trimethylolpropane, with glycerine beingmost preferred. Similarly, it has been found that it is most preferredthat at least from 60 to 95 percent of the residual alkylene oxidegroups be attributable to propylene oxide, more preferably 70 to 85percent, with the remainder being residual ethylene oxide groups.

The polyurethane composition of the invention further comprises ablowing agent (c). While it is possible that blowing agent (c) maycomprise other blowing agents in addition to water, it is most preferredthat water be the sole or exclusive blowing agent. If other blowingagents in addition to water are utilized, they should generally be lowboiling point liquids, generally organic compounds capable ofvaporization under the influence of the reaction exotherm. Typicalblowing agents will generally have a boiling point below 100° C. andinclude halogenated hydrocarbons such as, for example, methylenechloride, trichlorofluoromethane, and the like. Hydrocarbons such aspentane and formic acid are also suitable. When present, such physicalblowing agents are to be used in an amount of from 0.1 to 16, preferablyfrom 1 to 10, and more preferably from 2 to 5 weight percent by theweight of the total active hydrogen containing composition.

However, it is strongly preferred that water be the sole, blowing agent.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that when water is referred toas the blowing agent, the actual agent of expansion is the carbondioxide created in situ by the reaction of the water and the isocyanategroups.

Water as the sole blowing agent should generally be present in an amountof 0.02 to 1.00 based on pbw resin side (I). More preferably, the waterwill be present in an amount of from 0.30 to 0.50, and most preferablyfrom 0.35 to 0.45.

The polyurethane composition of the invention will also contain apolyether (d). It has been found that the polyether (d) should beselected from the group consisting of polytetrahydrofuran andpolyethylene glycol (PEG) having number average molecular weights offrom 600 to 2000. If polytetrahydrofuran is used, it will preferably bePoly THF®¹ polytetrahydrofuran, commercially available from BASFCorporation of Wyandotte, Mich., Without wishing to be bound to aparticular theory, it is believed that the incorporation of thepolyether (d) of the foregoing type produces polymer units of aparticular length, which in addition to the units resulting fromisocyanate reactive component (b) and the particular units obtained withchain extender (e), combine to produce art integral skin polyurethanefoam exhibiting superior physical properties. The polymer unitsresulting from the polyether (d) are believed to have a length inbetween those resulting from components (b) and (e).

Somewhat surprisingly, it has been found that, contrary to prior artteachings, the polyether (d) may be present in fairly minor amounts. Bythis it is meant that the polyether (d) will generally be present in anamount of less than 10 percent by weight, based on the total combinedweight of the resin side (I), i.e., components (b), (c), (d), and (e).In particular, and most preferably, it has been found that the polyether(d) is present in an amount of less than 5 percent by weight, based onthe total combined weight of (b), (c), (d), and (e). In particular, itis most preferred that polyether (d) be present in an amount of lessthan 3 percent by weight, based on the total combined weight of (b),(c), (d), and (e). It is believed that it is the unique combination ofelements in the polyurethane composition of the invention which allowsfor the use of such low amounts of polyether (d) and which provides suchcost and performance advantages.

When polyether (d) is a polytetrahydrofuran, it is particularlypreferred that it be selected from the group having a number averagemolecular weight of between 800 to 2000, preferably from 1000 to 2000,and most preferably 1000. It has been found that polytetrahydrofuranresults in particularly advantageous values in Taber abrasion resistanceand tear strength.

When polyether (d) is a polyethylene glycol, it is preferred that it beselected from the group having a number average molecular weight ofbetween 600 to 1000, and most preferably a molecular weight ofapproximately 600. PEG has been found to provide optimum values intensile strength and percent elongation.

In addition to the foregoing elements, the polyurethane composition ofthe invention may further comprise one or more optional additivesselected from the group consisting of catalyst, chain extenders, oxoalcohols and mixtures thereof.

Catalysts may be employed which greatly accelerate the reaction of thecompounds containing hydroxyl groups with the modified or unmodifiedpolyisocyanates. Examples of suitable compounds are cure catalysts whichalso function to shorten tack time, promote green strength, and preventfoam shrinkage. Suitable cure catalysts are organometallic catalysts,preferably organotin catalysts, although it is possible to employ metalssuch as lead, titanium, copper, mercury, cobalt, nickel, iron, vanadium,antimony, and manganese. Suitable organometallic catalysts, exemplifiedhere by tin as the metal, are represented by the formula: R_(n) Sn[X--R¹--Y]₂, wherein R is a C₁ -C₈ alkyl or aryl group, R¹ is a C₀ -C₁₈methylene group optionally substituted or branched with a C₁ -C₄ alkylgroup, Y is hydrogen or an hydroxyl group, preferably hydrogen, X ismethylene, an --S--, an --SR² COO--, --SOOC--, an --O₃ S--, or an--OOC-- group wherein R² is a C₁ -C₄ alkyl, n is 0 or 2, provided thatR¹ is C₀ only when X is a methylene group. Specific examples are tin(II) acetate, tin (II) octanoate, tin (II) ethylhexanoate and tin (II)laurate; and dialkyl (1-8C) tin (IV) salts of organic carboxylic acidshaving 1-32 carbon atoms, preferably 1-20 carbon atoms, e.g., diethyltindiacetate, dibutyltin diacetate, dibutyltin diacetate, dibutyltindilaurate, dibutyltin maleate, dihexyltin diacetate, and dioctyltindiacetate. Other suitable organotin catalysts are organotin alkoxidesand mono or polyalkyl (1-8C) tin (IV) salts of inorganic compounds suchas butyltin trichloride, dimethyl- and diethyl- and dibutyl- anddioctyl- and diphenyl- tin oxide, dibutyltin dibutoxide,di(2-ethylhexyl)tin oxide, dibutyltin dichloride, and dioctyltindioxide. Preferred, however, are tin catalysts with tin-sulfur bondswhich are resistant to hydrolysis, such as dialkyl (1-20C) tindimercaptides, including dimethyl-, dibutyl-, and dioctyl- tindimercaptides.

Tertiary amines also promote urethane linkage formation, and includetriethylamine, 3-methoxypropyldimethylamine, triethylenediamine,tributylamine, dimethylbenzylamine, N-methyl-, N-ethyl- andN-cyclohexylmorpholine, N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine,N,N,N',N'-tetramethylbutanediamine or -hexanediamine, N,N,N'-trimethylisopropyl propylenediamine, pentamethyldiethylenetriamine,tetramethyldiaminoethyl ether, bis(dimethylaminopropyl)urea,dimethylpiperazine, 1-methyl-4-dimethylaminoethylpiperazine,1,2-dimethylimidazole, 1-azabicylo[3.3.0]octane and preferably1,4-diazabicylo[2.2.2]octane, and alkanolamine compounds, such astriethanolamine, triisopropanolamine, N-methyl- andN-ethyldiethanolamine and dimethylethanolamine.

Particularly suitable catalysts have been found to be dibutyltindilaurate and tertiary amines, particularly triethylenediamine. Mixturesof such preferred catalysts are especially preferred.

Chain-extending agents which may optionally be employed in thepreparation of the polyurethane foams include those compounds having: atleast two functional groups bearing active hydrogen atoms, andpreferably having number average molecular weights less than 400, morepreferably 60 to 300, such as water, hydrazine, primary and secondarydiamines, amino alcohols, amino acids, hydroxy acids, glycols, ormixtures thereof. A preferred group of alcohol chain-extending agentsincludes water, ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,10-decanediol,o,-m,-p-dihydroxycyclohexane, diethylene glycol, 1,6-hexanediol,glycerine, trimethylol propane, 1,2,4-, 1,3,5-trihydroxycyclohexane,bis(2-hydroxyethyl) hydroquinone, 1,4-butanediol.

Examples of secondary aromatic diamines are N,N'-dialkyl-substitutedaromatic diamines, which are unsubstituted or substituted on thearomatic radical by alkyl radicals, having 1 to 20, preferably 1 to 4,carbon atoms in the N-alkyl radical, e.g., N,N'-diethyl-,N,N'-di-sec-pentyl-, N,N'-di-sec-hexyl-, N,N'-di-sec-decyl-,N,N'-dicyclohexyl-p- and m-phenylenediamine, N,N'-dimethyl-,N,N'-diethyl-, N,N'-diisopropyl-, N,N'-disec-butyl- andN,N'-dicyclohexyl-4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane andN,N-di-sec-butylbenzidine.

If aromatic diamines are used, it is best to use those which have atleast one alkyl substituent in the orthoposition to the amino groups,are liquid at room temperature, and are miscible with the polyetherpolyols. Furthermore, alkyl-substituted meta-phenylenediamines of theformulae: ##STR1## where K₃ and R₂ are identical or different and aremethyl, ethyl, propyl, or isopropyl, and R₁ is linear or branched alkylhaving 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably 4 to 6 carbon atoms, are useful.

Also useful are those alkyl radicals R₁ in which the branching point ison the C₁ carbon atom. Specific examples of radicals R₁ are methyl,ethyl, isopropyl, 1-methyloctyl, 2-ethyloctyl, 1-methylhexyl,1,1-dimethylpentyl, 1,3,3-trimethylhexyl, 1-ethylpentyl, 2-ethylpentyl,and preferably cyclohexyl, 1-methyl-n-propyl, tert-butyl,1-ethyl-n-propyl, 1-methyl-n-butyl and 1,1-dimethyl-n-propyl.

Specific examples of radicals R₁ are methyl, ethyl, isopropyl,1-methyloctyl, 2-ethyloctyl, 1-methylhexyl, 1,1-dimethylpentyl,1,3,3-trimethylhexyl, 1-ethylpentyl, 2-ethylpentyl and preferablycyclohexyl, 1-methyl-n-propyl, tert-butyl, 1-ethyl-n-propyl,1-methyl-n-butyl, and 1,1-dimethyl-n-propyl.

Examples of suitable alkyl-substituted m-phenylenediamines are2,4-dimethyl-6-cyclohexyl-, 2-cyclohexyl-4,6-diethyl-,2-cyclohexyl-2,36-isopropyl-, 2,4-dimethyl-6-(1-ethyl-n-propyl)-,2,4-dimethyl-6-(1,1-dimethyl-n-propyl)- and2-(1-methyl-n-butyl)-4,6-dimethyl-1,3-phenylenediamine. Preference isgiven to 1-methyl-3,5-diethyl-2,4- and -2,6-phenylenediamines,2,4-dimethyl-6-tert-butyl-, 2,4-dimethyl-6-isooctyl- and2,4-dimethyl-6-cyclohexyl-1, 3-phenylenediamine.

Examples of suitable 3,3'-di- and 3,3',5,5'-tetra-n- alkyl-substituted4,4-diaminodiphenylmethanes are 3,3'-di-, 3,3',5,5'-tetramethyl',3,3'-di-, 3,3',5,5'-tetraethyl-, 3,3'-di- and3,3',5,5'-tetra-n-propyl-4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane.

Preference is given to diaminodiphenylmethanes of the formula: ##STR2##where R₄, R₅, R₆, and R₇ are identical or different and are methyl,ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, sec-butyl or tert-butyl, but where at leastone of the radicals must be isopropyl or secu-butyl. The4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethanes may also be used in a mixture with isomersof the formulae: ##STR3## where R₄, R₅, R₆, and R₇ are as defined above.

Preference is given to 3,4-dimethyl-3', 5'-diisopropyl- and3,3',5,5'-tetraisopropyl-4, 4'-diaminodiphenylmethane. Thediaminodiphenylmethanes can be employed individually or in the form ofmixtures.

Of the foregoing, short chain diols are particularly preferred chainextending agents, especially those having from 7 to 4 carbon atoms.Particularly desirable chain extenders are 1,4-butanediol, ethyleneglycol, diethylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, andpropylene glycol. 1,4-butanediol its especially preferred for use inshoe sole applications.

Additives (e) may include other alcohols typically described asoxoalcohols. Such alcohols are generally primary alcohols produced frommonoolefins having from about 2 to about 20 carbons. With the exceptionof 2-ethylhexanol, oxoalcohols contain one more carbon than the startingolefin. They are generally supplied as a mixture of homologs and containsome branching. Examples of some commercially available products includeLIAL 125 from Chemica Augusta Spa or NEODOL® 25 produced by Shell.Especially preferred is LIAL 125.

The additives (e) may further comprise other additives such assurfactants, fillers, UV stabilizers, pigments and mixtures thereof.

Examples of suitable surfactants are compounds which serve to supporthomogenization of the starting materials and may also regulate the cellstructure of the plastics. Specific examples are salts of sulfonicacids, e.g., alkali metal salts or ammonium salts of fatty acids such asoleic or stearic acid, of dodecylbenzene- or dinaphthylmethanedisulfonicacid, and ricinoleic acid; foam stabilizers, such as siloxaneoxyalkylenecopolymer and other organopolysiloxanes, oxyethylated alkyl-phenols,oxyethylated fatty alcohols, paraffin oils, castor oil esters,ricinoleic acid esters, Turkey red oil and groundnut oil, and cellregulators, such as paraffins, fatty alcohols, anddimethylpolysiloxanes. The surfactants are usually used in amounts of0.01 to 5 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the polyolcomponent.

The foams of the instant invention will be made by generally introducingthe isocyanate component (a) and resin side (I) into a mold. Such moldswill be well known to those skilled in the art. It will be appreciatedthat the mechanical parameters of the instant process are flexible anddepend on the final application of the integral skin polyurethane foam.The polyurethane composition as disclosed herein is versatile enoughthat it may be made in a variety of densities and hardnesses. The systemmay be introduced into the mold in a variety of ways known to thoseskilled in the art. It may be shot into a preheated closed mold by ahard pressure injection technique. In this manner, the compositionprocess is well enough to fill complex molds at low mold densities (from18 pcf to 25 pcf). The composition may also be run using a conventionalopen mold technique when the reaction mixture or system is poured orinjected at low pressure or atmospheric pressure into the preheated openmold. In such processes, the composition may be run at mold temperaturesfrom about room temperature to about 120° F., with room temperaturebeing preferred.

The integral skin polyeurethene foam articles resulting from the presentinvention are generally characterized by a surprisingly acceptable mixof physical performance properties, as well as a commercially acceptablelook and feel. In particular, polyeurethene foam articles made accordingto the invention are specially suited for use as shoe soles.

In general, the integral skin polyeurethene molded articles of theinvention are characterized by a tensile strength of greater than orequal 450 psi. However, such articles preferably exhibit a tensilestrength of greater than 475 psi, and most preferably greater than orequal to 500 psi. Tensile strength is measured according to ASTM D-3574.

In addition to tensile strength, taber abrasion (mg loss) is aparticularly important property to the manufacturers of integral skinpolyurethane foam shoe soles. In particular, such foams should have ataber abrasion (mg loss) of less than 200, preferably less than 190, andmost preferably less than 180. Taber abrasion is measured per ASTM 1044.

Other important properties with respect to the foams of the inventionare tensile elongation, split tear, graves tear, shore hardness, andross flex. The testing methods for each property are indicated below.

Test Methods

    ______________________________________                                        Density ASTM D 3574                                                                             Graves Tear ASTM D 3574                                     Tensile Strength ASTM D 3547,                                                                   Shore Hardness ASTM D 2240                                  Die A             Ross Flex ASTM 1052                                         Split Tear ASTM D 3574                                                        Elongation ASTM D 3574                                                        ______________________________________                                    

In general, foams according to the invention should have densities from0.3 to 0.7 g/cc, preferably from 0.45 to 0.55 g/cc. Elongation should begreater than 300%, and most preferably greater than 400%. Split tearshould be greater than 120 pi and most preferably greater than 30.Graves tear should be greater than 50 and most preferably greater than65. Shore hardness should be from 40 to 60 and most preferably from 50to 55. Ross flex (Kcycles at -20° F.) should be greater than 50,preferably greater than 80, and most preferably greater than 100.

Finally, it has been noted that the compositions of the invention areadvantageous with respect to certain manufacturing problems typicallyencountered with integral skin polyurethane foams. That is, dependingupon the size and dimension of the shoe sole mold, molded articles mayexhibit shrinkage and inconsistency from article to article. As thefollowing examples exhibit, the compositions of the invention more oftenthan not produce molded shoe soles exhibiting acceptable levels ofconsistency and shrinkage.

The following examples are given by way of illustration only. Allamounts are in parts by weight unless otherwise indicated.

Polyol A is a propylene glycol initiated polyoxypropylenepolyoxyethylene block copolymer having a hydroxyl number of about 25 anda molecular weight of about 3850.

Polyol B is a 31 percent solids, 1:1, acrylonitrile:styrene graftcopolymer dispersed, in a trimethylolpropane initiatedpolyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer having a molecularweight of about 4120. The graft polymer dispersion has a hydroxyl numberof about 25.

Polyol C is a glycerine initiated polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene blockcopolymer having a hydroxyl number of about 27 and a molecular weight ofabout 5050.

Polyol D is a glycerine initiated polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene blockcopolymer having a hydroxyl number of about 35 and a molecular weight ofabout 4150.

Polyol E is a dipropylene glycol initiatedpolyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer having a hydroxylnumber of about 29 and a molecular weight of about 3500.

Polyol F is a polypropylene glycol having a molecular weight of about430 and a hydroxyl number of about 260.

lso A is approximately 98% 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and 2%2,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate.

DABCO® S-25 is an amine catalyst blend of 25 percent triethylenediaminein 75 percent butanediol.

DABCO® T-12 is dibutyltin dilaurate commercially available from AirProducts.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of Isocyanate Prepolymer (a)

    ______________________________________                                        Isocyanate A     66.5        percent                                          Benzoyl chloride 0.015       percent                                          Polyol F         2.402       percent                                          Dipropylene Glycol                                                                             3.9999      percent                                          Polyol D         13.462      percent                                          Polyol E         13.622      percent                                          ______________________________________                                    

lsocyanate A and the benzoyl chloride were charged to a preheatedreactor. The reactor was started and the contents stirred throughout theoperation. Contents of the reactor were heated to approximately 60° C.,and the remaining ingredients added in sequence or as a blendmaintaining temperature between 60° to 85° C. The contents were reactedfor approximately two (2) hours at 80° to 90° C. The contents werecooled and sampled to determine the free NCO content. Target NCO wasapproximately 18.3 percent, and target viscosity approximately 1290 cpsat 25° C.

EXAMPLE 2 Alternative Preparation of Isocyanate Prepolymer (a)

1. Preparation of Prepolymer 1

    ______________________________________                                        Isocyanate A    46.144      percent                                           Benzoyl chloride                                                                              0.003       percent                                           Polyol D        53.853      percent                                           ______________________________________                                    

Molten isocyanate and benzoyl chloride were charged in a dry or nitrogenpurged and preheated reactor. The agitator was turned on and batchtemperature adjusted to approximately 60° C. Polyol D was added at aconstant rate over a period of thirty (30) minutes. The contents of thereactor were reacted at approximately 80° C. for about one (1) hour. Thereactor sample is taken and NCO determined and found to be approximately14.1 percent. The reactor sample was cooled to 50° C. and transferred tostorage containers.

2. Preparation of Prepolymer 2

    ______________________________________                                        Isocyanate A         45.464      percent                                      Benzoyl lendaury(?) chloride                                                                       0.003       percent                                      Polyol E             54.533      percent                                      ______________________________________                                    

The method used was the same as used in the preparation of Prepolymer 1.The resulting NCO prepolymer 2 was 14.0 percent.

3. Preparation of Prepolymer 3

    ______________________________________                                        Isocyanate A     87.197      percent                                          Dipropylene Glycol                                                                             7.999       percent                                          Polyol F         4.804       percent                                          ______________________________________                                    

Method

Isocyanate A was charged into a preheated reactor, and the contents wereheated to approximately 105° C. The agitator was turned on and continuedthroughout the operation. A blend of dipropylene glycol and Polyol Fwere added to the reactor in a constant rate over a period ofapproximately one (1) hour with the temperature maintained at about 105°C. After completion of the addition, the contents were reacted forapproximately 20 minutes at 105° C. The product was rapidly cooled to40° C. and sampled and the NCO content determined. The NCO content wasfound to be 23.0 percent by weight.

4. Preparation of Isocyanate Prepolymer (a)

The isocyanate prepolymer composition (a) was prepared by mixing at 25°C. to 40° C., prepolymers 1, 2, and 3 in the following percent byweight: Prepolymer 1, 25.00 percent; Prepolymer 2, 25.00 percent;Prepolymer 3, 50.00 percent by weight. The NCO of the resultingprepolymer (a) was approximately 18.3 percent, and the viscosity was1290 cps.

EXAMPLE 3

The isocyanate of Example 2 was added to the following resin (I) sidecomposition at an isocyanate index of 100. The components were combinedin a Puromat F-20 foam machine, commercially available from LindenIndustries, and having a 2 component turn put of 3 to 10 lbs/min. Thefoam mixture was poured into a clean, dry 12"×6"×3/8" plaque mold coatedwith RCT A3315, a naptha based external mold release agent commerciallyavailable from Chemtrend. The mold was shut, and the foam allowed tocure. The finished plaque was demolded and tested. Table 1 shows theeffect of varying the identity of polyether (d) in a comparison versus acommercial formulation using HFC-134a as a blowing agent.

    ______________________________________                                        Resin Side (I)                                                                ______________________________________                                        Component         pbw                                                         Polyol A          56.21                                                       Polyol B          18.00                                                       Polyol C          14.00                                                       1,4-Butanediol    6.0                                                         (Poly)tetrahydrofuran 1000                                                                      2.40 (or 2.4% PEG 600)                                      DABCO® S-25   3.00                                                        Water             0.36                                                        DABCO® T-12   0.02                                                        ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                                       2.4%              WUC 40224                                                   PTHF    2.4% PEG  (commercial                                  Property       1000    600       R-134a)                                      ______________________________________                                        Density (pcf)  30.36   30.02     31                                           Tensile Strength (psi)                                                                       614.6   528.4     550                                          Elongation (%) 337     310       370                                          Split Tear (pi)                                                                              28.6    30.1      40                                           Graves Tear (pi)                                                                             97.0    91.5      110                                          Shore A instant 5 sec.                                                                       50      49        55-60                                                       47      47                                                     Taber Abrasion (mg loss)                                                                     69.4    66.8      80                                           Ross Flex on Bottoms Sole                                                                    87      >100      >100                                         (Kcycles @ -20° C.)                                                    ______________________________________                                    

The above values indicate the performance of the invention in alaboratory setting. The values for taber abrasion areuncharacteristically low and are not believed to be representative ofthe performance of the instant invention.

EXAMPLE 4

Examples 4 and 5 indicate the effect of the identity and molecularweight of polyether (d) on foam properties.

Hand-Mix

The isocyanate of Example 2 was added to the resin side (I) formulationsidentified in Tables 2 and 4 at an isocyanate index of 100. The mixturewas stirred from 7 to 10 seconds with a mix-blade at approximately 2,000rpm and the resulting foam mixture poured into a 12"×6"×3/8" aluminummold heated to 110° to 120° F. and coated with a commercially availablesilicone mold release agent (NIX STIX X-9022) from Dwight Products. Thefinished plaques were demolded and tested.

                                      TABLE 2                                     __________________________________________________________________________    FOAM FORMULATIONS                                                                     1  2  3  4   5  6  7   8  9                                           Component                                                                             pbw                                                                              pbw                                                                              pbw                                                                              pbw pbw                                                                              pbw                                                                              pbw pbw                                                                              pbw                                         __________________________________________________________________________    Polyol A                                                                              56.2                                                                             56.2                                                                             56.2                                                                             56.2                                                                              56.2                                                                             56.2                                                                             56.2                                                                              56.2                                                                             56.2                                        Polyol B                                                                              18 18 18 18  18 18 18  18 18                                          Polyol C                                                                              14 14 14 14  14 14 14  14 14                                          1,4-BDO 6  6  6  6   6  6  6   6  6                                           Water   0.36                                                                             0.36                                                                             0.36                                                                             0.36                                                                              0.36                                                                             0.36                                                                             0.36                                                                              0.36                                                                             0.36                                        Dabco S-25                                                                            3.0                                                                              3.0                                                                              3.0                                                                              3.0 3.0                                                                              3.0                                                                              3.0 3.0                                                                              3.0                                         Dabco T-12                                                                            0.03                                                                             0.03                                                                             0.03                                                                             0.03                                                                              0.03                                                                             0.03                                                                             0.03                                                                              0.03                                                                             0.03                                        PEG200  2.4                                                                   PEG300     2.4                                                                PEG400        2.4                                                             PEG600           2.4                                                          PEG1000              2.4                                                      PTHF250                 2.4                                                   PTHF650                    2.4                                                PTHF1000                       2.4                                            PTHF2000                          2.4                                         OH #/g Resin                                                                          161.8                                                                            157.3                                                                            155.0                                                                            152.8                                                                             151.0                                                                            159.8                                                                            152.4                                                                             151.0                                                                            149.7                                       100 Res/( ) Iso:                                                                      66.2                                                                             64.4                                                                             63.5                                                                             62.6                                                                              61.8                                                                             65.4                                                                             62.4                                                                              61.8                                                                             61.3                                        @ 100 Index                                                                   __________________________________________________________________________

                                      TABLE 3                                     __________________________________________________________________________    FOAM PHYSICAL PROPERTIES                                                               FORMULATION #                                                                 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9                                             PEG PEG PEG PEG PEG PTHF                                                                              PTHF                                                                              PTHF                                                                              PTHF                                 Component                                                                              200 300 400 600 1000                                                                              250 650 1000                                                                              2000                                 __________________________________________________________________________    % Shrink -0.06                                                                             -0.06                                                                             -0.23                                                                             -0.06                                                                             0.10                                                                              -0.06                                                                             -0.23                                                                             0.10                                                                              0.40                                 Sectional Density                                                                      28.8                                                                              30.1                                                                              26.3                                                                              29.3                                                                              28.8                                                                              26.4                                                                              29.7                                                                              30.0                                                                              27.7                                 Tensile, psi                                                                           221.0                                                                             250.2                                                                             234.4                                                                             295.1                                                                             221.0                                                                             253.4                                                                             252.6                                                                             268.0                                                                             279.0                                Elongation %                                                                           143.3                                                                             190.0                                                                             173.3                                                                             236.7                                                                             143.3                                                                             183.3                                                                             173.3                                                                             176.7                                                                             206.7                                Split Tear, pi.                                                                        28.25                                                                             25.30                                                                             28.40                                                                             27.28                                                                             28.25                                                                             22.25                                                                             29.95                                                                             32.50                                                                             26.30                                Graves Tear, pi.                                                                       53.95                                                                             73.80                                                                             70.50                                                                             69.58                                                                             53.95                                                                             65.60                                                                             77.50                                                                             81.85                                                                             76.90                                Shore A Hardness                                                                       43  39  36  37  43  38  40  44  36                                   Instant 5 Second                                                                       41  38  35  36  41  36  39  43  35                                   Abrasion, mg. loss                                                                     80.9                                                                              106.1                                                                             108.5                                                                             59.7                                                                              80.9                                                                              130.8                                                                             48.3                                                                              58.1                                                                              53.8                                 Ross Flex (-20)                                                                        500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500                                  % Crack  6.7 27.5                                                                              38.5                                                                              17.0                                                                              6.7 15.0                                                                              51.5                                                                              64.2                                                                              86.0                                 Kcycles to Fail                                                               __________________________________________________________________________

                                      TABLE 4                                     __________________________________________________________________________    FOAM FORMULATIONS                                                             Low Crosslinker Level                                                         Resin Side (I)                                                                Formulation                                                                           1  2  3  4   5  6  7   8  9                                           Component                                                                             pbw                                                                              pbw                                                                              pbw                                                                              pbw pbw                                                                              pbw                                                                              pbw pbw                                                                              pbw                                         __________________________________________________________________________    P628    56.2                                                                             56.2                                                                             56.2                                                                             56.2                                                                              56.2                                                                             56.2                                                                             56.2                                                                              56.2                                                                             56.2                                        P1198   18 18 18 18  18 18 18  18 18                                          P1026   14 14 14 14  14 14 14  14 14                                          1,4-BDO 6  6  6  6   6  6  6   6  6                                           Water   0.36                                                                             0.36                                                                             0.36                                                                             0.36                                                                              0.36                                                                             0.36                                                                             0.36                                                                              0.36                                                                             0.36                                        Dabco DC-1                                                                            0.07                                                                             0.07                                                                             0.07                                                                             0.07                                                                              0.07                                                                             0.07                                                                             0.07                                                                              0.07                                                                             0.07                                        Polycat SA-1                                                                          1.0                                                                              1.0                                                                              1.0                                                                              1.0 1.0                                                                              1.0                                                                              1.0 1.0                                                                              1.0                                         Foamrez UL-1                                                                          0.06                                                                             0.06                                                                             0.06                                                                             0.06                                                                              0.06                                                                             0.06                                                                             0.06                                                                              0.06                                                                             0.06                                        PEG200  2.4                                                                   PEG300     2.4                                                                PEG400        2.4                                                             PEG600           2.4                                                          PEG1000              2.4                                                      PTHF250                 2.4                                                   PTHF650                    2.4                                                PTHF1000                       2.4                                            PTHF2000                          2.4                                         OH #/g Resin                                                                          132.4                                                                            127.9                                                                            129.7                                                                            127.4                                                                             125.6                                                                            134.6                                                                            127.1                                                                             125.6                                                                            124.2                                       100 Res/( ) Iso:                                                                      55.3                                                                             53.4                                                                             54.1                                                                             53.2                                                                              52.4                                                                             56.2                                                                             53.0                                                                              52.4                                                                             51.8                                        @ 100 Index                                                                   __________________________________________________________________________

                                      TABLE 5                                     __________________________________________________________________________    FOAM PHYSICAL PROPERTIES                                                      Low Crosslinker Level                                                                  FORMULATION #                                                                 1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9                                     PEG  PEG  PEG  PEG  PEG  PTHF PTHF PTHF PTHF                         Component                                                                              200  300  400  600  1000 250  650  1000 2000                         __________________________________________________________________________    % Shrink 0.75 1.41 0.59 1.25 0.75 1.08 1.25 1.08 0.92                         Sectional Density                                                                      28.3 28.4 27.5 28.7 28.8 29.4 29.8 29.6 29.3                         Tensile, psi                                                                           147.8                                                                              111.9                                                                              137.5                                                                              150.0                                                                              130.0                                                                              134.1                                                                              157.3                                                                              136.5                                                                              111.7                        Elongation, %                                                                          250.0                                                                              206.6                                                                              236.6                                                                              333.3                                                                              315.0                                                                              220.0                                                                              305.0                                                                              220.0                                                                              210.0                        Split Tear, pi.                                                                        22.52                                                                              35.90                                                                              30.56                                                                              30.69                                                                              27.31                                                                              33.19                                                                              32.40                                                                              33.22                                                                              35.09                        Graves Tear, Pi.                                                                       35.46                                                                              57.17                                                                              51.75                                                                              53.80                                                                              40.49                                                                              47.45                                                                              45.54                                                                              60.29                                                                              53.28                        Shore A Hardness                                                                       14   21   23   16   21   19   18   18   15                           Instant 5 Second                                                                       14   20   21   16   20   19   18   18   15                           Abrasion 74.4 91.7 97.1 73.1 39.9 180.8                                                                              114.4                                                                              87.8 119.7                        Ross Flex (-20)                                                                        0    0    0    0    0    0    0    0    0                            % Crack  >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100 >100                              Kcycles to fail                                                               __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 6

The composition of Example 3 was run in an industrial shoe sole maker'sfacility, except however, that the 1,4,BDO was increased 0.5% and waterincreased 0.40%. The components were combined in a low pressure foammachine at an isocyanate index of 100. The foam mixture was poured intoone of three different shoe sole molds and one 1/4" thick test plaquemold. Shoe soles produced from the various molds were evaluated for fit,feel, shrinkage and performance.

Process Parameters: Mold Temperature=110°-120° F. Demold Time=3 minutesMold Release=Chemtrend B5340

EVALUATION:

Shoe Sole #1: fit is fairly consistent from pair to pair (=2/32") unitstemplate 1/2 size up, 1/32"Shore A is 50-60 feel is slightly soft fillis acceptable

Shoe Sole #2: fit is consistent from pair to pair units template 1/2size up Shore A is 48-53 feel is very slightly soft fill is good

Shoe Sole #3: fit is very inconsistent from pair to pair (2/32") unitstemplate to a size 13 to 14 MA Shore A is 54-60 feel is good fill isgood

Physical and Mechanical Properties:

    ______________________________________                                        1/4" Test Parcel                                                              Ross Flex @ -20° F.                                                                      >80K, cycles to failure                                     Ross Flex @ 0° F.                                                                        >84K, cycles to failure                                     Ross Flex @ RT    >100K, cycles to failure                                    Tensile Strength  467 psi                                                     Ultimate Elongation                                                                             409%                                                        Die C Tear Resistance                                                                           673 pli                                                     Taber Abrasion    173 mg loss/K cycles                                        Shoe Sole #1                                                                  Ross Flex @ -20° F.                                                                      36K, cycles to failure                                      Ross Flex @ 0° F.                                                                        24, cycles to failure                                       Ross Flex @ RT    46K, cycles to failure                                      Shoe Sole #2                                                                  Ross Flex @ -20° F.                                                                      22K, cycles to failure                                      Ross Flex @ 0° F.                                                                        84K, cycles to failure                                      Ross Flex @ RT    >100K, cycles to failure                                    Shoe Sole #3                                                                  Ross Flex @ -20° F.                                                                      >80K cycles to failure                                      Ross Flex @ 0° F.                                                                        >84K, cycles to failure                                     Ross Flex @ RT    >100K, cycles to failure                                    ______________________________________                                    

The mold for Shoe Sole #3 was exceptionally large, i.e., a man's 13-14and is believed to be the reason for the variance in size consistency.The above numbers are believed to be somewhat lower than expected due topossible equipment variations.

It should be understood, of course, that while the invention hereinshown and described can constitute a preferred embodiment of theinvention, it is not intended to illustrate all possible forms thereof.

We claim:
 1. A process for making integral skin polyurethane articles,the process comprising:providing an isocyanate component (a), comprisingthe reaction product of (a1) a polyoxypropylated propylene glycol havingan OH number from 200 to 300; (a2) a diol selected from the groupconsisting of dipropylene glycol and tripropylene glycol; (a3) apolyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycerin having an OH number from 20 to50; (a4) a polyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycol having an OH number from15 to 45; and (a5) diphenylmethane diisocyanate; providing a resin side(I) comprising:an isocyanate reactive component (b); a blowing agent (c)comprising water; a polyether (d) selected from the group consisting ofpolytetrahydrofuran and polyethylene glycol having a number averagemolecular weight of from 200 to 2000; and optionally, one or moreadditives (e) selected from the group consisting of catalysts, chainextenders, and mixtures thereof; introducing the isocyanate component(a) and resin side (I) into a mold; and reacting component (a) and resinside (I) together for a time sufficient to produce an integral skinpolyurethane article; wherein the integral skin polyurethane article ischaracterized by one or more of the following performance properties:(i) tensile strength of greater than or equal to 450; (ii) a Taberabrasion (mg loss) of less than
 200. 2. The process of claim 1 whereinthe isocyanate component (a) has a percent NCO of from 16 to
 20. 3. Theprocess of claim 1 wherein the isocyanate component (a) furthercomprises a blend of:the reaction product of (a1) a polyoxypropylatedpropylene glycol having an OH number from 200 to 300, (a2) a diolselected from the group consisting of dipropylene glycol andtripropylene glycol, and (a5) diphenylmethane diisocyanate; the reactionproduct of (a3) a polyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycerin having an OHnumber from 20 to 50 and (a5) diphenylmethane diisocyanate; and thereaction product of (a4) a polyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycol havingan OH number from 15 to
 45. and (a5) diphenylmethane diisocyanate. 4.The process of claim 3 wherein the isocyanate component (a)comprises:from 20 to 70 percent by weight diphenylmethane diisocyanate;from 1 to 30 percent by weight of an isocyanate terminated prepolymerwhich is the reaction product of (a1) a polyoxypropylated propyleneglycol having an OH number from 200 to 300 with (a5) diphenylmethanediisocyanate; from 5 to 40 percent by weight of an isocyanate terminatedprepolymer which is the reaction product of (a2) a diol selected fromthe group consisting of dipropylene glycol and tripropylene glycol, and(a5) diphenylmethane diisocyanate; from 1 to 30 percent by weight of anisocyanate terminated prepolymer which is the reaction product of (a4) apolyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycol having an OH number from 15 to 45,and (a5) diphenylmethane diisocyanate; and from 1 to 30 percent byweight of an isocyanate terminated prepolymer which is the reactionproduct of (a3) a polyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycerin having an OHnumber from 20 to 50 and (a5) diphenylmethane diisocyanate.
 5. Theprocess of claim 1 wherein the isocyanate reactive componentcomprises:(b1) a propoxylated and ethoxylated diol initiated polyolhaving an OH number of from 10 to 40; (b2) a graft polyol having from 5to 50 percent by weight of a material selected from the group consistingof styrene, acrylonnitrile, and mixtures thereof, and a carrier polyolhaving an OH number of from 20 to 50; and (b3) a propoxylated andethoxylated triol initiated polyol having an OH number of from 15 to 45.6. The process of claim 5 whereinpolyol (b1) has a number averagemolecular weight of from 2500 to 5000; graft polyol (b2) has a numberaverage molecular weight of from 4000 to 7000; and polyol (b3) has anumber average molecular weight of from 3500 to
 6500. 7. The process ofclaim 1 wherein the blowing agent (c) consists of water.
 8. The processof claim 1 wherein the polyether selected from the group consisting ofpolytetrahydrofuran and polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight offrom 600 to
 2000. 9. The process of claim 8 wherein the polyether is apolytetrahydrofuran having a molecular weight of from 1000 to
 2000. 10.The process of claim 8 wherein the polyether is a polyethylene glycolhaving a molecular weight of from 600 to
 1000. 11. The process of claim1 wherein the polyether (d) is present in an amount of less than 10percent by weight, based on the total combined weight of (b), (c), (d),and (e).
 12. The process of claim 11 wherein the polyether (d) ispresent in an amount of less than 5 percent by weight, based on thetotal combined weight of (b), (c), (d), and (e).
 13. The process ofclaim 1 wherein an additive (e) is a chain extended and is a diol havingfrom 2 to 7 carbon atoms.
 14. The process of claim 13 wherein the chainextended is butane diol.
 15. The process of claim 13 wherein additive(e) further comprises one or more polyurethane catalysts.
 16. Theprocess of claim 1 wherein the integral skin polyurethane article isfurther characterized by:(iii) a Graves tear of at least 50 pi; (iv) aRoss flex (Bottom shoe sole; Kcycles @-20° C.) of at least
 90. 17. Aprocess for making integral skin polyurethane articles, the processcomprising:providing an isocyanate component (a) comprising the reactionproduct of(a1) a polyoxypropylated propylene glycol having an OH numberfrom 200 to 300; (a2) a diol selected from the group consisting ofdipropylene glycol and tripropylene glycol, (a3) apolyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycerin having an OH number from 20 to50, (a4) a polyoxypropylated/ethoxylated glycol having an OH number from15 to 45, and (a5) diphenylmethane diisocyanate; providing a resin side(I) comprising (b) an isocyanate reactive component comprising:(b1) apropoxylated and ethoxylated diol initiated polyol having an OH numberof from 10 to 40, (b2) a graft polyol having from 5 to 50 percent byweight of a material selected from the group consisting of styrene,acrylonnitrile, and mixtures thereof, and a carrier polyol having an OHnumber of from 20 to 50, and (b3) a propoxylated and ethoxylated triolinitiated polyol having an OH number of from 15 to 45, (c) a blowingagent consisting of water; (d) a polyether selected from the groupconsisting of polytetrahydrofuran and polyethylene glycol having anumber average molecular weight of from 600 to 2000; and (e) one or moreadditives selected from the group consisting of polyurethane catalysts,chain extenders selected from the group of diols having 2 to 7 carbonatoms, and mixtures thereof; introducing the isocyanate component (a)mid resin side (I) into a mold; and reacting component (a) and resinside (I) together for a time sufficient to produce an integral skinpolyurethane article; wherein the integral skin polyurethane article ischaracterized by one or more of the following performance properties:(i) tensile strength of greater than or equal to 450; (ii) a Taberabrasion (mg loss) of less than 200.